F1 2014 thread

[satanboy]

Jennie Gow, BBC Radio 5 live pit-lane reporter in Bahrain
"While Red Bull have at least got out of the garage and managed 13 laps so far, they are clearly still in trouble. The turbo is not kicking in on fire-up in the way it does on other cars, and there is a distinct smell of burning from the car after it has been running - suggesting those overheating problems are far from solved. All the Renault-powered teams seem to be suffering from similar problems, with electrical and software issues blighting their progress. Meanwhile, the word among the teams is that Mercedes and McLaren look in good shape, and Kevin Magnussen is impressing many people up and down the pit lane."

hmmm

 

[Polish]

Double hmmm.

I am very surprised that being winning team for 4 years solid, and having throbbing budgets, they are struggling like that.

Having said, I am certain they will work day in day out to be ready in Albert's Park.

 

[Polish]

Some times from today:

Here are the best times and number of laps completed by each driver:

1 Hulkenberg (Force India) 1m36.880s (78 laps)
2 Alonso (Ferrari) 1m37.879s (64 laps)
3 Hamilton (Mercedes) 1m37.908s (74 laps)
4 Magnussen (McLaren) 1m38.295s (81 laps)
5 Vettel (Red Bull) 1m40.224s (14 laps)
6 Sutil (Sauber) 1m40.443s (82 laps)
7 Frijns (Caterham) 1m42.534s (68 laps)
8 Kvyat (Toro Rosso) 1m44.346s (5 laps)
9 Grosjean (Lotus) 1m44.832s (8 laps)
10 Massa (Williams) no time (5 laps)
11 Bianchi (Marussia) no time (3 laps)

Source: www.autosport.com

 

[ToxicBunny]

Double hmmm.

I am very surprised that being winning team for 4 years solid, and having throbbing budgets, they are struggling like that.

Having said, I am certain they will work day in day out to be ready in Albert's Park.

I would assume that this problem does not stem from Redbull, but more from Renault.

 

[satanboy]

I would assume that this problem does not stem from Redbull, but more from Renault.

Seems that way.

 

[ScottulusMaximus]

I would assume that this problem does not stem from Redbull, but more from Renault.

It's a bit of both... The engine problems are obviously Renault but the overheating is Newey restricting too much airflow with his aero package.

 

[Willie Trombone]

Double hmmm.

I am very surprised that being winning team for 4 years solid, and having throbbing budgets, they are struggling like that.

Having said, I am certain they will work day in day out to be ready in Albert's Park.

They couldn't run their winning formula for another year. They had to go back to the drawing board and probably left it a bit late. That said, Renault is proving that an engine manufacturer can really toffee it for a team.
And once again, proving that your engine and vehicle designer are bigger elements in your fav driver winning the WC than we give them credit for.

 

[Willie Trombone]

It's a bit of both... The engine problems are obviously Renault but the overheating is Newey restricting too much airflow with his aero package.

Probably is a bit of both, though...

All the Renault-powered teams seem to be suffering from similar problems, with electrical and software issues blighting their progress.

 

[Polish]

I am over the moon that Force India are making such great progress. Merc to the rescue, and the driver line up has improved a bit imo.

Even Caterham, wow, for tailenders its great progress.

 

[Polish]

Vettel may not win the 2014 WC but he can have a dummy instead :twisted:

 

[Willie Trombone]

Vettel may not win the 2014 WC but he can have a dummy instead :twisted:

I'll never rule Vettel out, though I'd love for this year to highlight the importance of a good car... you can read between the lines lol. I'd be super happy for a Macca or Merc win... heck, even Ferrari or Williams. Thus far, it looks like Macca have the edge. Can't wait for Magnussen to start racing.

 

[Polish]

Can't wait for Magnussen to start racing.

+1

Perez was a failure, but then again so was last years car so he was handicapped from the start.

Vettel is a good driver but you can never compare him to MS, Senna or Prost. Imo he has not gained that status yet.

 

[Willie Trombone]

Yeah, you have to feel for Perez. I have my opinion on Vettel and perhaps if I mention it we'd have Killadoob back in here. I miss him.
This year may just be a good opportunity for Vettel to prove his detractors wrong and start winning from the middle of the pack.

 

[Polish]

Every opinion is welcome, low blows are allowed, all's fair in love and war.

If he proves himself I'll be first in line to congratulate.

But we have seen before, and know history well enough to know that you can only be on top for a while. Then suddenly things change.

 

[Polish]

Things already underway in Bahrain, first cars out already.

Track live updates via http://live.autosport.com/commentary.php/id/697

 

[Polish]

Just to update all on who is using what engines this year:

Renault
Red Bull, Caterham, Lotus & Toro Rosso

Mercedes
McLaren, Williams, Mercedes & Force India

Ferrari
Ferrari, Marussia & Sauber

 

[Polish]

Big improvement for Red Bull today. Still way off the best but at least they are getting laps is.

Update on times.

P Driver Team Time
1 Bottas Williams 1m37.635s
2 Alonso Ferrari 1m37.700s +0.065
3 Hulkenberg Force India 1m38.394s +0.759
4 Magnussen McLaren 1m39.958s +2.323
5 Vettel Red Bull 1m40.340s +2.705
6 Vergne Toro Rosso 1m40.609s +2.974
7 Rosberg Mercedes 1m40.932s +3.297
8 Gutierrez Sauber 1m41.135s +3.500
9 Grosjean Lotus 1m41.670s +4.035
10 Chilton Marussia 1m42.511s +4.876
11 Kobayashi Caterham 1m44.354s +6.719

autosport.com

 

[Willie Trombone]

Yeah, that's a huge improvement... and more importantly for them, trumping the other renault powered cars. I love to see the Williams ahead of the RB tho.

 

[Polish]

I love to see the Williams ahead of the RB tho.

Same.

I am surprized that Frank can keep it together still, it has not been a great run after the BMW split.

 

[Polish]

And with that Magnussen does a 1m34.910s.......almost 2s quicker than the rest.

Go McLaren !